Dog Owners Want Everyone to Know Warning Signs of Intervertebral Disc Disease

For most pet owners, a pet is family. That's why when one couple's dog experienced a life-changing injury, they had to think fast. Now, they want their experience to serve as a warning for other owners.

[@gailjans5932]

I think it’s great that you shared your story! My girl developed IVDD at age 3 and became paralyzed, she remained paralyzed her entire life and lived a happy full life to the age of 10 years. I think it’s important to spread awareness of IVDD because it is a time sensitive issue. IVDD is not a death sentence, dogs are so strong and they adjust to their new ways of life more easily than we do. I wish you all the best and hoping for a full recovery!

[@careygrant2828]

My dog was paralyzed for a week, but I elected not to have the surgery done and put her on steroids instead. She started to try to walk after about a week and after two weeks was walking at about 85%. She'll never be 100%, but you don't have to put your dog down, nor do you have to have surgery.

[@yihannajohnson3711]

That was my dog too.

[@yorkiesweetpea23]

As a vet nurse, we see this in Frenchies too often. Most commonly is: dog had gone hiking or playing at park, zooming around in all directions, trampling over anything in their path. The typical Frenchie "bulldozers". One wrong move & they'd end up injuring their spine. Most owners report, it's not until the next morning, is when they find the dog not able to walk. In Canada, the surgery cost plus aftercare, rehab etc, is closer to $10K. And sadly, that's just not an option for some pet owners 😟. For the ones who did not go for the surgery; as long as the owner is very committed in helping their Frenchie through the rehab/therapy and dedicate many months, a good number of dogs do indeed recover. Some may not recover 100%, but they recover a good majority. Not everyone can be so dedicated though...it consists of a LOT of therapy. We're talking: acupuncture, electro-stimulants to muscles, water treadmill therapy, swimming therapy, therapeutic exercises & massages, and amazingly... Laser Therapy does wonders. And we are not talking about just a few sessions here & there. It is a full commitment, bringing dog to their therapy sessions every 2nd or 3rd day, on top of the exercises twice daily at home. With the entire time, carrying pet outside to pee & poop, expressing their bladders if needed, catering 24/7 to a pet that can not walk. I honestly respect these pet parents so SO much.

[@leeyost9917]

I prayed and used cold packs & massaged his back with heating pack day 3 on either side of his spine with frankencense and rosemary oil after about 5 days he was up and running again.🙏🏻thank you Jesus

[@rebelinreb402]

how long did that last...the running around bit

[@leeyost9917]

Stone Harper if the blind lead the blind they both fall into a pit

[@leeyost9917]

Rebelin Reb still running around. Keeping up what works 🙏🏻👍🏻🏆

[@munkiestyle1]

So happy your pup is doing well!

[@bradley2427]

So glad god helped your dog. Just a shame he ignores all the starving children all over the world, oh and coronavirus

[@mr.nativewhitey6397]

nice human beings...I salute them both for their kindness

[@susan1098]

OMG - I just had to put down my shitzu down because she also had this issue. She was in so much pain. I couldn’t let my precious little girl to suffer anymore. She was 15yrs old and her overall health was also declining due to lack of vitamin c. I’m still heartbroken 💔 over it and I miss her so much!!

[@xclent1975]

God bless your baby

[@JoeyC452]

Heartbreaking to see my Frenchie go thru this. At the end of the day you just have to be happy that you didn’t give up on him, so he was able to live the best quality of life he could. Any dog that goes through this has the heart of a champion...I’ll love you forever Buster ❤️

[@ddwilkins]

I just got the diagnoses for my Frenchie this afternoon. Hoping for the best with her.

[@yihannajohnson3711]

Me

[@cristinatheiler2053]

thank you so much for taking care and give alot of love your frenchies GET WELL SOON LOVELY. GOD BLESS TO ALL OF YOU

[@tpkoyr1282]

My French bulldog, had his back legs hurt, yesterday just discovered he can't walk, my parents said they'd get my dog to the vet today turns out he is dead already. I'm sad, really sad near depressed, can't do anything as a teenager to safe my dog, such loyal happy old dog that barely gets attention out of 4 dogs we have

[@alk3345]

It's not your fault although I understand how you feel - so sorry for your loss. I feel your pain.

[@ThePolishRifle]

I’m laying w my dog rn reading this me can’t imagine. I’m sorry for your loss. But I’d say excuse your parents. I’m sure they’re doing the best they can. You only get one family. Be a leader. Love them

[@alohajzen7834]

My Frenchie was just hit with this disease on 11/29/19 in the morning and took him to the vet right after. He got surgery the next morning and now is at home recovering. He’s now at home and showing good signs of walking. He’d get up on his own but still not 100%.

[@andreaj2621]

How much was the surgery?

[@alohajzen7834]

Andrea 10 doctor told us it was gonna be 10k but when we got the bill it was 8k. Got money back from insurance.

[@MoneyManuel]

@@alohajzen7834 where are you at ?

[@alohajzen7834]

MSC Channel where am I?

[@MoneyManuel]

@@alohajzen7834 what state How much is this Ivdd surgery can you do physical therapy first or it depends on the Seriousness of the Situation

[@adamholshu2377]

“That was blue steel” love it

[@munkiestyle1]

Totally blue steel

[@ntran3222]

Good luck Tuck!!! 🐶❤️

[@teresaolson5011]

My daughters frenchy that had a slipped disc she wasn’t paralyzed but the vet said a lot i times it will correct itself but you have to keep him from running around keep in a kennel! She could barely walk and was falling over all the time it was so sad! Surgery is very serious!! They were told they could try acupuncture! My daughter brought her in a few times a week for several month! She had to be carried outside every time to go potty and keep her calm which was hard with a German Shepherd and two cats in the family!!! It took several months but finally she is healed!! It was so sad to see this happen and she was a young dog. But surgery was just to scary of an option!

[@Leonidas6674]

My girl Lola had the surgery now she takes Adoquel shots! my girl had 3 vertebrate disc slip as well and she can walk ive also used cbd and it made a huge difference in her mobility and previcox helps!!! No jumping off beds or couches for this breed. Lola walks great now and she want walking at all for 8 months but when using the cbd hope and prayer and medicine she is up and walking and is the same age as he is now 8 and a half. Plz get some cbd a sling Adoquel shots and previcox and work and walk him about u will see a difference. I hope u read this

[@munkiestyle1]

We have been blessed and he does what is called spinal walking, he gets around like a champ, just no stairs. We have moved to a ranch style home also to accomidate our happy little man. There is a video of Tuck walking on our FB page for little bullies designs if you would like to see how well he is doing. So happy to hear that your little one is doing well. We have been talking about trying CBD oil and I think that we will give it a shot to see if it helps him.

[@yourlordship1119]

We believe my dog has this (the vets guess, we need more tests) but she also has awful knee problems too and she will never use her back legs again and has lost control of her bladder and bowels. It's very hard.

[@juanlee3252]

What did you end up doing ??

[@inezilona3094]

My daschund had IVDD 4 years ago (he's almost 12 now) he was completely paralyzed in the back. He lost appetite and motivation to live, lost around 2-3kgs cause his back legs muscle went shrinking. After 2 weeks of messed up vets who gave injections and shits a patient recommeded acupuncture. So we treated them with acupuncture (put needles to some part of his back and back legs then electrocuted them). No surgery needed. Completely healed in 3 months, still need monthly regular treatment. Much more simple, cheaper, and faster than surgery which only have 50% chance. USA vets doesnt have acupuncture for dogs? Or I think they only want easy money?

[@lovelly_life]

inez ilona WHERE did you get acupuncture for your dog? Please let me please!!!!

[@shelbymustang3249]

My almost 4 yr old Frenchie had Ivdd and It was sooo quick.I HAD TO PUT HIM DOWN ON JUNE 7TH THIS YEAR 2019 AND IT KILLS ME EVERY DAY...IF ANYONE NEEDS TO TALK PLEASE LMK AS I'M HERE 4 EVERYONE...GOD BLESS😢😢😢🐕🐶😇

[@antieverything]

@@shelbymustang3249 i had to put my dachshund down 6 months ago because he had cancer. He was 12 years old. I cry every day still

[@MoneyManuel]

@@shelbymustang3249 why Would you do that just because he had ivdd???

[@Maspets]

It took THREE MONTHS for your dog to heal yet you attribute the success of acupuncture and not the other treatments? Why?

[@nonamepixo1431]

Please please if you notice any of these signs bring them to the vet right away. I had to put my dog down yesterday because the disease spread so fast and he was in so much pain and there was nothing anyone could do anymore. It was either leave him paralyzed in pain for the rest of his life force feeding him or put him yo rest. Please dont ignore these signs i dont want anyone to go through what me my dog and my family had to

[@stanleytrac9750]

I woke up Sunday morning (9/23/18) and my baby girl was screaming when I was petting her towards the back. I took her to the vet immediatley and they told me about their back problems, but gave me two types of medication for her. After her trial of medication and proper rest I have to take her back to ge reevaluated. I hope nothing happens to my baby girl.

[@shelbymustang3249]

I 2 had to put my almost 4 yr old frenchie down last fri and He gad IVDD .IN 4 DAYS GONE 4 EVER .SIR WINSTON WAS MY SERVICE DOG AND EVERY PERSON IN town " LOVED" HIM .I ALMOST WANT 2 GO JOIN HIM IN HEAVEN... MY EXPERIENCE WAS DEVASTATING AND I AM HERE 4" ANYONE "WHO NEEDS TO TALK.💋😢😢😢🐕🐶😇

[@hamletwong5820]

@@shelbymustang3249 I just put my 4 year old female down last week and we are devastated. She started last month with random seizures. which turned into pain when she moved. I wish I knew I could have surgery for her. Now we are looking for a new vet.

[@alk3345]

@@hamletwong5820 my female Frenchie developed idiopathic epilespy when she was 1 years old. It was (and still is) BAD. If dogs have clusters of 3+ seizures in 24 hours, it can be life-threatening. She has 5+ seizures in 24 hours every 6 weeks! Though outside of that, she is a very happy dog and is 4 years old now. It was touch and go at one point, but we finally found the right amount and combination of seizure meds to keep her happy (she was seizuring every week and over a whole weekend at her worst). Now I suspect she had IVDD :( she's at the vet now getting scans. I hope it's not that. Sorry about your loss. It's so hard.

[@jlynn888]

Not true!!! My Frenchie had Sane affects three times! And with quiet time and mild pain medication he always bounces back! Do not do surgery

[@Croft-do5io]

You don't know what you're talking about. Just because your dog had a mild case does NOT mean surgery isn't the gold standard of care for these poor dogs.

[@evamoneek]

Thank you for this. My dog is going through the same surgery.. she’s my world and I paid over 10,000 for her surgery. She’s still in the hospital.

[@jdao6131]

How is your dog doing? We are going through the same with ours. Sending prayers to you and your pup. I never imagined how hurtful it would be seeing our doggy going through so much.

[@rosemarasigan7448]

Please let me know how the surgery went for your pup. Mine was admitted today & having the surgery tomorrow morning-I’m so nervous😢

[@teresaolson5011]

Please look into acupuncture first! It actually worked for my daughters Frenchie as surgery is very risky!

[@staceycolarusso1805]

Aww noooo tuck all my prayers 🙏 buddy

[@valmunro9284]

I have dachshund, they are prone to that. He is not allowed to jump off bed, chairs couches so we have steps & ramps which he uses to go up & down to these items. My husband carries him up & down stairs. Our children are grown up so he is our baby. To me is like being a blind person or person in wheelchair or toddler, u HAVE to make your house safe for them.

[@valmunro9284]

In saying that, even with all our precautions, I realise slip discs is very common, especially in dachshunds. He is insured but I hope to god its never used for that

[@philipbayliss879]

Took mine to vets today to have her nose and pallet operated on as her breathing wasnt great and didnt want her in discomfort. Had a x ray scan done to check asophagus and lungs. Scan as shown up her spine is bent and irregularly shape discs. Hope to god this dosnt happen to her. She looks perfect great size shape, was planning to breed her till this breathing problem and now this definitly wont. Wish i new more about what health checks should be done so i could of checked with breeder if there dogs had all the right ones but rushed into it.

[@kellz143amm]

The only thing that can diagnose IVDD is an MRI. An X-ray cannot diagnose it properly

[@scarlingdarIing]

Wow, nearly identical story as mine! We wanted to breed our girl, but her breathing is definitely not very good, and at only about 5 months old, she started sometimes "stretching" (well it looks like it's stretching) and or dragging her hind legs, and at least once a day, she would start to act differently and seem very uncomfortable, found out it was from her ivdd causing spasming... So sooo terrible! If more people would breed responsibly, this would not be happening!! :(

[@1st508thAirborne]

Do you know if the surgery was a success? Did he regain the use of his rear legs?

[@riskingit]

1st508th Airborne My Min Pin Cross just had the same IVDD happen 2 months ago. Doctors told us that surgery was a better chance of recovery but we were all in on getting dog wheels so we chose the medication route of steroids. He went from dragging he legs one day to legit walking the next day. A lot of videos out there of people actually getting the surgery done and it works, not sure how soon signs show when and if the dog will start walking again. The symptoms I noticed were wobbly legs as he walks, yelping as you attempt to touch his back and constant laying down after doing something. Btw! New sub to your channel. Love Ulu!

[@kurpa415tony2]

Having him sit around and hunching his back to get some relief will cause him to have more severe pain and makes slow recovery… has to have support like a brace that can help him move. Like a chariot. Chariots aren’t only used when completely paralyzed. They have wheels on them suckers for a reason to be moving around way easier and have his soul and spirit recovered in know time.. his clearly not feeling it with the excessive panting while sitting.

[@Emily-jx5oc]

I wish I knew this earlier. 😭

[@oheymario]

How can I reach these two beautiful people ? I would like to have some advice and perhaps some comfort regarding my concerns about my Shih tzu

[@tommywilliams102]

Wrong on what they say this one women did not get surgery it can run up to 10thousand and 17 days later her dog is walking surgery has nothing to do with it it’s 50 50 you should not take hope away because I don’t have kids and I don’t have 10000 a lot off dogs make it without surgery be for you say you have to have it for them to walk again do your homework hope your dog gets well

[@lethal_jake2187]

My frenchie started limping on one leg randomly today, not after running or anything hectic all he did was eat then start limping, no pain or other symptoms but I'm scared its IVDD, he does seem to not like when I touch his foot on the limp leg though. Can anyone share if they went through something similar?

[@earthsorneo]

Is your Frenchie now okay? Mine is limping like yours. Got scared also.

[@lethal_jake2187]

@@earthsorneo Hey yeah he is okay when we took him to the vet and the vet touched around his lower leg and paw he growled, they figure some tissue pain or he just stepped on something, he also licks alot and has allergies so his paws get pink may have been why but he stopped after a day or two

[@xclent1975]

Plus the MRI cost almost 4k so 8-10k

[@Croft-do5io]

A CT scan usually produces excellent imaging for this disease and is $600-3000. It also doesn't require a general anaesthetic.

[@susannitkewicz1759]

I know how you feel about your dog I just found out a month ago after my dog fell she was diagnosed with IVDD she couldn't move her back legs now she's walking AFTER a regimen Of steroids and furomotide she can go down the steps but not up so I know how you guys feel and I'm so scared it's going to happen again .....She is my baby , the one mistake I made is not getting pet insurance.... on a happier note your dog is so cute

[@seanmcc09]

If your dog has IVDD you shouldn't let it go up or down stars at all. They need to be carried or use ramps

[@yihannajohnson3711]

Facts, pet insurance.

[@yihannajohnson3711]

Facts, pet insurance.

[@susan1098]

Would of pet insurance cover this? When I’m ready to have a dog again I will definitely pay for health insurance.

[@kellz143amm]

@@susan1098 I believe Fido is the company that covers this no matter what. Normally Per insurance do not cover “pre-existing conditions” so as long as it’s not previously documented by a vet and as long as you’ve waited the appropriate “waiting period” usually about 6 months with IVDD. Each one is diff. I currently have Pets Best

[@brendawolberg7598]

Did your dog recover from surgery.

[@munkiestyle1]

Yes hes doing very well now. Still paralyzed but a spinal walker now. A very happy puppy.

[@carolynberry5465]

My dogs front legs dont work. His paws knuckle and hard for him to stand, but once he gets 😮up, he can walk. His back legs seem to be fine. He was diagnosed with disc disease.

[@mst5158]

Is he OK now

[@carolynberry5465]

@@mst5158 no, he passed. He was in so much pain, I had to let him go.

[@mst5158]

@carolynberry5465 sorry to hear that. How did it happen.my dog was playing yesterday n out of nowhere he stopped and lost balance from back legs n started to cry for a few seconds. Rite now he is doing better then yesterday but he still not 100% yet.

[@carolynberry5465]

@@mst5158 yes, mine started walking wobbly, and for no apparent reason. Then, he his front paws turned under and he had a hard time walking at all. Once, he got his paws right, he could walk but had to keep his legs stiffened. It was horrible to watch, because he was such a happy boy running all over. It was very quick. Dr showed X-ray and a vertebrae was completely flat toward front of body.

[@amymarie266]

@@carolynberry5465I’m sorry. We just had to let our 16 year old dog go for the same reasons. I know it was the right thing to do, but I’m so sad.

[@applejax1984]

you know that shit gets old when veterinarian automatically put it’s that thought to put them down like there has to be other options you can’t have that as a number one

[@yihannajohnson3711]

Facts, they only want money.

[@Toptier1111]

So sad

[@yihannajohnson3711]

My dog is going through this now.

[@jasondimartino]

How you little puppy is doing?

[@yihannajohnson3711]

@@jasondimartinoshe did good last year, but she passed away on her own last March.

[@mst5158]

Did symptoms just happen out of nowhere

[@moisescarrillo6991]

why I would never get frenchie bueatiful dogs but they don’t last long :( my bro’s always had frenchies and never last more than 4 years. So many health problems

[@EVEE_Rose-3]

🛑🛑🛑To Prevent IVDD🛑🛑🛑 use only a harness Avoid all Tug-a-war games Avoid jumping from furniture (sofa, bed) Avoid stairs. Avoid any injury. Pick up from below the body never by arms. Let them sleep on memory foam mattress, latex or talalay To avoid spine pressure while sleeping As soon as you see any signs of IVDD Immediately go to vet -OR- crate them for 6 weeks. They also have a back brace that can be worn during this time. If in pain have vet prescribe steroids (prednisone) and Gabapentin For pain. These two meds should be enough. I am not a vet. These tips Are from Vets on KZbin and other owners of Frenchies that have experienced IVDD with their pets. Also you do not need to euthanize them please get a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion. Look how happy this dog is.

[@phillippepym1560]

Why would you out him to sleep?? There is wheel chairs for dogs.

[@christinaleite6588]

It's incredibly painful. Wheel chairs may help with mobility but not the incredible pain.

[@bg588]

Why do people breed these dogs with all their numerous genetic diseases…..a ‘stud’….so they are happy to breed the problems on….just plain cruel.

[@lowlightpiano7110]

Repent and trust in Jesus. we deserve Hell for our sins. For example lying, lusing, saying God's name as a cuss word and stealing our just some examples of sin which we can all admit to doing at least one of those. For our sin we deserve death and Hell, but there is a way out. Repent anf trust in Jesus and you will be saved. Repentence is turning from sin. So repent and trust in Jesus. He will save you from Hell, and instead give you eternal life in Heaven. John 3:16 Romans 3:23❤😊❤😊❤

[@lovepeace3601]

dose this happen to EVERY FRENCH BULLDOG .... shit i might not want one

[@yourfavouriteangel9426]

obviously not every single one. Every animal is prone to some sort of disease. any pet takes responsibility& not all dogs end up paralyzed from ivdd.

[@chaimomma9198]

Vaccines

[@quattro4468]

Just eat them.